Are you tired of finding shrunken clothes or damaged items after a spin in the dryer? Well, it’s time to rethink what you throw in there. Let’s take a look at some everyday items that should steer clear of your trusty dryer.
Avoid Heat Damage: Delicate Fabrics
If you want to keep your favorite delicate fabrics looking their best, it’s best to skip the dryer. Items like silk blouses, lace lingerie, and cashmere sweaters can easily get damaged by high heat and tumbling action. Instead, opt for air drying or laying them flat on a clean towel.
Beware of Shrinkage: Woolens and Knits
Woolen garments and knitted items are prone to shrinking when exposed to heat. To preserve their shape and size, avoid tossing them into the dryer altogether. Lay them out flat on a drying rack or hang them up carefully instead.
Say No to Fading: Dark-Colored Clothing
If you have dark-colored clothing that you cherish, it’s wise not to subject them to excessive heat from the dryer. The intense heat can cause colors to fade over time, leaving your favorite black jeans looking dull or your vibrant navy shirt losing its luster. Hang these garments up outside or indoors away from direct sunlight instead.
Maintain Elasticity: Bras and Underwear
To ensure that your bras and underwear retain their elasticity for as long as possible, avoid using the dryer regularly. The high temperatures can weaken elastic fibers over time, leading to sagging straps or loose waistbands. Opt for air drying these intimate garments instead.
Avoid Warping: Shoes
While it may be tempting to toss your sneakers or canvas shoes in the dryer for a quick dry, it’s best to resist that urge. The heat can cause the glue holding them together to melt, resulting in warped soles or detached parts. Instead, stuff them with newspaper and let them air dry naturally.
Prevent Damage: Swimwear
If you want your swimwear to last longer and retain its shape, avoid using the dryer after a day at the beach or pool. The combination of heat and tumbling can damage delicate fabrics like Lycra or spandex. Gently squeeze out excess water and lay them flat on a towel to dry.
Avoid Shrinkage: Leather Accessories
Leather belts, gloves, or wallets should never find their way into the dryer. The high temperatures can cause leather items to shrink and lose their original shape. Instead, wipe off any moisture with a clean cloth and allow them to air dry away from direct sunlight.
Say No to Melting: Plastic Items
Avoid putting plastic items such as shower curtains or raincoats in the dryer as they are prone to melting under high heat conditions. Hang these items up instead until they are completely dry.
Maintain Freshness: Stuffed Toys
To keep stuffed toys looking fresh and fluffy without damaging their delicate materials or stuffing, skip tossing them into the dryer altogether. Spot clean any stains gently with mild soap and water before allowing them to air dry naturally.
Conclusion:
In order to protect your favorite clothes and everyday items from potential damage caused by excessive heat or tumbling action in the dryer, it’s important to be cautious about what you throw in there. By opting for alternative drying methods or air drying, you can extend the lifespan of your cherished items and keep them looking their best for longer.